Most Ohioans in favor of protecting abortion access, legalizing marijuana in new poll
A new poll from Baldwin Wallace University shows the majority of Ohioans are in favor of passing Issues 1 and 2, which aim to protect abortion access and legalize marijuana.
The poll showed that 58.2% of Ohio voters plan to vote yes on Issue 1, and 57.4% plan to approve Issue 2, according to results released Wednesday. Responders planning to vote no on the issues measured in at 33.5% and 35.1%, respectively.
About 8% were undecided on Issue 1, while about 10% were unsure about Issue 2, according to the poll.
The Ohio Pulse Poll is an annual study that asks registered voters across the state how they feel about certain ballot issues, candidates and elected representatives.
This poll is consistent with USA TODAY Network / Suffolk University polling from July, which showed about 58% of Ohio voters backing the proposal to protect abortion access in the state constitution.
The margin of error in polls on both issues was 3.5%, according to the university.
The study was conducted between Oct. 9-11 with 1,070 registered voters. That was trimmed down to 850 voters to create an "effective sample size," the poll explains. The survey was administered online via SurveyUSA.
A look at the issues
Issue 1 is a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would enshrine the right to abortion until viability, which is the point when a fetus can survive outside the uterus with reasonable measures.
It would give individuals the right to make their own reproductive health decisions about issues including contraception, fertility treatment, pregnancy, miscarriage care and abortion.
What does Ohio's Issue 1 say?: Here's the text of reproductive rights amendment
Issue 2, if passed, would legalize, regulate and tax adult-use marijuana.
The proposal would establish a new government program with rules for buying, selling, using and growing adult-use cannabis. It would allow Ohioans ages 21 and older to buy and possess 2.5 ounces of cannabis and 15 grams of concentrate. Individuals could also grow up to six plants.
Because Issue 2 is an initiated statute, not a constitutional amendment, the state legislature could adjust it if approved by voters.
State Issue 2: What to know about Ohio's recreational marijuana legalization ballot issue
Poll broken down by demographic
The Baldwin Wallace University Ohio Pulse Poll breaks down how Ohioans will vote at the polls.
Broken down by sex, about 61% of women and 56% of men support Issue 1, while nearly 36% of women and 31% of men oppose the amendment.
Roughly 90% of Democrats support the amendment, with less than 7% saying they're opposed. Meanwhile, 40% of Republicans and 51% of independent voters are in favor of the proposal, while about 52% of Republicans and 36% of independents are opposed.
Poll: 58% of Ohio voters back proposal to enshrine abortion access in constitution
A majority of urban voters are in favor of Issue 1 at 73%. Suburban voters are split 60% yes to 34% no. Rural voters are less supportive, with 46.5% in favor, 41.6% opposed and 12% undecided.
Most gun-owning (54%) and non-gun-owning (62%) voters are in favor of Issue 1.
A majority men and women plan to vote yes on Issue 2 at 59% and 55%, respectively. About 35% of both men and women are opposed.
Roughly 66% of Democrats, 50% of Republicans and 59% of independents are in favor of the issue. Those against the issue by party are 24%, 43% and 36%, respectively.
About 65% of urban, 57% of suburban and 53% of rural voters are in favor of Issue 2 while 31%, 36% and 37% are opposed, respectively.
Sixty percent of gun owners and 55% of non-gun owners plan to vote yes compared to 34% and 36%, respectively, who are against the issue.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: New poll shows most Ohioans plan to vote 'Yes' on Issues 1, 2
